We had an agenda - photograph downtown squares and courthouses. The destination was Sulphur Springs, Texas, county seat of Hopkins County. It was a cold, clear day. The blue sky and budding spring foliage belied the actual climatological environment of the day. The wind was gusting out of the north up to 40 miles per hour with a windchill of 20-25 degrees Fahrenheit. We froze our tushes off!!! We were out in the wind trying to take photographs, but the wind was so strong the tears welled in our eyes, making us not quite sure what was being seen through the camera view finder. Oh well.... here are some pictures to share regardless.
This is Main Street in Sulphur Springs. It is modernized with a narrow pavestone street, natural rock fountains along the sidewalks, and pleasant music streaming from outdoor speakers.
A quaint outdoor garden at a bistro in Winnsboro, Texas. Perhaps in May the weather would have been more hospitable for such a stop.
More unique architecture in Winnsboro, Texas.
This is Pittsburg, Texas. In the downtown area there is a belltower with doors that are always unlocked. Inside is a small chapel of sorts with exquisite stained glass windows, scriptures, a couple pews for personal reflection. It would make a charming venue for a very small, private wedding. On one side of the tower there is a fountain and beautiful flowerbeds.
This is for those of you in the north and east who wonder if spring will ever arrive. Here is hope. The tulips and daffodils are blooming, as are the flowering bushes, hedges, and trees. As we drove along the country roads we can notice a light tinge of green in the once-dormant trees.
Also in Pittsburg, Texas was this bank logo. Yes, its the same Pilgrim of Pilgrim's Pride Chicken. I think Bo Pilgrim must own Pittsburg and the surrounding area. There were Pilgrim banks, Pilgrim Feeds, Pilgrim Processing plants, and more.
I don't know if you can see it well, but the facade of this building is quite amazing, dating back to 1900. The F.W. Fitzpatrick building. Don't know anything about a person named Fitzpatrick, as it is now the home of The Mission Church.
This is the south. Nearly every historical courthouse has a monument dedicated to those who fought in the Civil War, or The War Between the States as some choose to call it. Some of the historical markers enumerate the votes for and against secession. Most voted to secede (often by a 2:1 margin), although I do know of one community north and west of Dallas that proudly sided with the Union states. The gorgeous tree is a Bradford pear tree in full bloom beside the monument.
This Civil War marker proudly displays the Confederate flag and honors those from the area who lost their lives in that conflict.
THE COURTHOUSES - in order: Hopkins Co., Franklin Co., Titus Co., Hunt Co., and Rains Co. Some are definitely more impressive than others. Often times it has more to do with the size of the county. And almost as if it is a prerequisite, nearly all the counties with more modern facilities do so as a result of fires to the original buildings or extreme urban growth.
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